166 - Benefits of Virtual Externships with a Pediatric Dentistry Program for Potential Residents

Purpose: The purpose was to determine if a virtual externship (VE) was beneficial in increasing applicant knowledge of the pediatric dental residency program. This study also identified program characteristics that influence resident ranking decisions.


Methods: All applicants who applied to the UTHSC Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program were invited to participate in a VE. Those who participated in the externship (n=65) were asked to voluntarily complete Pre and Post VE Surveys. The surveys asked participants to rank 9 characteristics that influence ranking decisions as well as ordinal scale questions to evaluate participants current knowledge of 22 program-specific categories. To analyze a mean knowledge gain of participants in the VE the survey data of respondents (n=40) was plotted as percentage of participants who increased "post-externship" knowledge (X) compared to their "pre-externship" rating (Y). The Wicoxin Matched Pairs Signed Rank test was used to compare residents' Post-externship versus Pre-externship knowledge ratings. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.
Results: The cumulative ranking of 9 program characteristics identified Clinical Experience as the most important factor. When comparing Pre and Post VE knowledge, each of the 22 categories assessed showed significant gains in applicant knowledge after attending the VE. 100% of participants were satisfied with the VE experience and 100% of participants indicated the VE gave them the opportunity to get to know the program.


Conclusions: The Pediatric Dental Residency VE offered during the 2020 Cycle at UTHSC increased applicant’s knowledge of the residency program at a statistically significant level of P</em> < 0.05.